Rotary International’s Commitment to Mental Health

Rotary’s Global Mental Health Initiative

In 2022, under the leadership of RI Foundation Trustee and PRIP Gordon McInally, Rotary International launched an ambitious campaign to encourage Rotary clubs around the world to place a greater emphasis on mental health. McInally encouraged all Rotarians to actively and directly address the mental health crisis by acknowledging and recognizing that grief, stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout also inflict distress and pain onto Rotarians as well.

Mental Health Statistics

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

• Each year, approximately one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness.
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults face serious mental illness.
• About 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages between 6-17 are diagnosed with a mental health disorder each year.
• Half of ifetime mental illnesses start by age 14; three-quarters begin by age 24.
• Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for ages 10–14.

Three Areas of Focus

The initiative centers on three primary objectives:

• Destigmatization: Promoting openness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
• Awareness and Attention: Increasing recognition, understanding and bringing more attention to mental health issues.
• Access and Resources: Expanding support and resources for those in need.

Supporting Rotarians: Service Above Self, but Not Without Self-Care

Rotary is renowned for its commitment to serving, helping, healing, and supporting others, guided by its motto, "Service Above Self. Although service to others is a fundamental principle of Rotary, it is important to consider who supports individual Rotarians and how clubs are ensuring the well-being of their own members.  These questions have become central to Rotary’s mission, leading to a renewed focus on supporting Rotarians themselves.

Rotarians exemplify the practice of "Service Above Self." However, prioritizing service without adequate self-care can lead to challenges such as burnout, depression, and anxiety. It is important for Rotarians to balance their dedication to service with personal wellness practices, including exercise, healthy eating, emotional support, and social interaction. Additionally, Rotarians are encouraged to be mindful of the well-being of fellow club members and to offer support and compassion, especially to those who may find it difficult to discuss their struggles.

District 5300’s Mental Health & Wellness Committee

To address and support mental health among Rotarians, Rotary District 5300 has established the Mental Health & Wellness Committee. D-5300 is comprised of 55 Rotary Clubs across two states (California and Nevada), and more than 1,700 Rotarians. This committee is encouraging members to engage in club activities that foster stronger relationships, reconnect with fellow members, and create opportunities for collaboration and enjoyment. Recognizing that it can be challenging to identify when a fellow Rotarian needs support, the committee emphasizes the importance of connecting and checking in with one another, whether at meetings or events.

 

Consider this model as a guide to help you assess what area of need you and your club can improve:

Rotary District 5300 is committed to pursuing the goal that all Rotarians feels heard, seen, appreciated, and supported within the diverse district, and in the coming months will provide tools, educational materials, resources in the form of videos and websites, and creative ways that clubs can strengthen relationships and increase fellowships among their members and in their community.

We look forward to working with you and your club at whatever capacity is needed to improve your membership’s Connection, Cohesiveness, and Communication. If you would like to get involved or have suggestions, please visit the GET INVOLVED tab on the drop-down menu.